Women, stay alert and trust your instincts

AUGUST is Women’s Month, and  Martin Kriel, managing director of ADT Security’s East Coast Region, has some tips and advice to help the fairer sex keep safe.

Out and about

• When you go out, tell someone you trust where you are going and the time you expect to return.
• Save the telephone number of your security company and other emergency services – like the police and paramedics – to your cellphone.
• Remember less is more when it comes to wearing flashy jewellery and carrying cash.
• If you are taking a handbag, carry it close to your body and not dangling by the straps.”

Distractions

• Remain alert at all times.
• Be aware of what is going on and of the people around you as you head to your vehicle, especially at places such as shopping centres or petrol stations.
• If anything or anyone leaves you feeling uneasy, leave the area immediately or avoid the individual.

 Driving

• Check that all the vehicle’s doors are locked.
• Never drive with a handbag or other valuables on a seat or where they can be seen from outside of the vehicle.
• Try to keep your car a cellphone-free zone; this will allow you to concentrate on the road and on what is happening around you.

Public places

• Always remain vigilant.
• If you are using an ATM use your hand to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN.
• Once you receive the cash place it directly into your purse and that into your handbag and close it
• If you do not feel comfortable completing the transaction, cancel it immediately and leave.
• Once you have left the ATM be alert to anyone who may have followed you. If you have reason to believe this is the case, go directly to a busy, safe place and make contact with security or the police.

Share these safety precautions with family and friends to develop good habits that can help avoid dangerous situations.